A defender who played in the back-to-back Fitzroy premierships of 1904 and 1905. Crossed to Melbourne before the 1911 season and spent two years with the club. He applied for a clearance from Fitzroy, which was initially refused, citing poor treatment from the club's fans. The club then left him off their list and he found his way to the MCG.

Later umpired 11 VFL games between 1915 and 1919 and boundary umpired 207 from 1913 to 1927 including six Grand Finals. In addition to his official games as field umpire he was also called on the middle of a game or at short notice three times.

Naismith's twin brother Charlie also played for the Roys, and he won a district cricket premiership with Collingwood in 1912.